A year after Charlie Kirk’s death, are young voters turning on Trump? | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Turning Point USA Expands Across U.S. Campuses Amid Shifting Young Voter Sentiment
Published September 10, 2026
Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the organization co-founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has significantly increased its presence in high schools and colleges across the United States. This growth comes as young voters express increasing dissatisfaction with the Republican Party, particularly in light of challenges such as the economy and ongoing conflicts.
As of Thursday, TPUSA reported that it has established over 3,500 high school chapters, representing an increase of 180 percent since Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2025. The organization has also expanded to more than 1,500 college chapters, marking a rise of over 60 percent.
Kirk, who was a prominent figure within conservative circles and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was murdered during an address at Utah Valley University—an event that was captured on video. His death sparked a response from the Trump administration, which initiated efforts to combat what it termed “domestic terrorist organizations,” targeting groups such as Antifa.
Despite the growth of TPUSA, the political landscape for Republicans is shifting. Recent polling data indicates a decline in support for Trump among young men aged 18 to 29, with only 32 percent approval recorded in August, down from 43 percent earlier in February 2025. This decline comes after a boost in young male voters’ support during the 2024 presidential election, where Trump garnered 46 percent of their votes—a seven-point increase from the previous election cycle, according to Pew Research Center.
Economic concerns, particularly inflation, have emerged as significant issues for younger voters. A Harvard Youth Poll conducted in March and April found that half of Americans aged 18 to 29 reported being heavily impacted by inflation, while 45 percent indicated struggles with financial security.
Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in Iran has exacerbated these economic pressures, with a report from Moody’s Analytics estimating that households have faced an average increase of $750 in expenses due to the war.
Internal debates within TPUSA reflect broader youth sentiment regarding U.S. foreign policy. A recent YouGov poll in collaboration with The Economist revealed that only 16 percent of young people believe U.S. military actions in Iran were justified.
Despite this context, the expansive network of TPUSA could provide Republicans with a valuable platform to engage younger voters ahead of the November 3 congressional midterm elections.
To honor Kirk’s legacy, TPUSA is hosting a memorial event at Utah Valley University on the anniversary of his death. The organization will also pay tribute to Kirk at the upcoming Republican Party’s inaugural midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.
